Our organisation
Who we are
CCS Disability Action is a community organisation that has been advocating for disabled people to be included in the community since 1935.
We are the largest pan-disability provider in Aotearoa, and we provide a variety of different supports and services to children/young people, adults and their whānau. We have 17 branches across the country which operate from Northland to Invercargill. Our support focuses on breaking down barriers to participation and supporting people to live the life that they want. We receive a mixture of government and private funding.
You can read more about us on our main website.
Our Foundation Statement
Te hunga hauā mauri mō ngā tāngata katoa
This statement forms the foundation of our identity and means that all people have Mauri, unique life force, and that we value every person equally.
What we value
Mauri, the unique life force of each person
Disabled peoples’ leadership
The connections of family, whānau and community
The common ground between us and also our differences
The allies and partners in our work
Our work
Three core documents guide our values:
These documents mean we work within a human rights framework. We partner with disabled people, their families and whānau, to ensure that people with disabilities are in the driver’s seat in their lives, have a positive and connected life, and that their local communities are more inclusive.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Treaty of Waitangi
Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a core document for CCS Disability Action. Te Tiriti o Waitangi is the Māori version of the Treaty, and it differs from the English version. Even though the two treaties are different, collectively the Treaty of Waitangi and Te Tiriti o Waitangi form the basis for partnership between the Crown and Māori.
We are committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the responsibilities of tino rangatiratanga (self-determination), partnership and protection in our day-to-day work. We will ensure whānau hauā (disabled Māori) receive quality services and supports that are culturally reflective of and relevant to their identity and beliefs.
You will be given a copy of our policies 1.4 Cultural Responsiveness – whānau hauā and 1.5 Contribution and Leadership by whānau hauā. You can also ask for a copy of our Māori Disability Framework 2019-2022.
How we work with people
We work in a Supported Lifestyles way with people. This means we will always be respectful, listen to the people we support, work toward a common understanding and take a strengths-based approach to supporting the goals of people and whānau.
We focus on the uniqueness of each person/ whānau supported and their specific situation and do not make assumptions about them.
We focus on:
Relationships: We develop positive working relationships, in order to gain knowledge about the person / whānau; their unique likes and dislikes. Provide appropriate supports to meet their needs.
Trust: We build trust, learn how people feel and how whānau, friends and the wider community best support them. We encourage this involvement where the person identifies it is important.
Goals and Aspirations: We encourage the goals and dreams of the person/whānau. We identify and work through, with them, any barriers to achieving these. We provide support to achieve goals to the best of our combined abilities using a partnership approach and taking shared responsibilities for tasks.
Communication: We identify how the person / whānau would like to communicate with us, and other organisations, and work alongside them in a way that best meets their needs.
Understanding: We allow time to understand what challenges or barriers prevent the person’s / whānau daily living being equitable to that of others; identify and develop ways to improve this with them.
Knowledge: We understand the foundation documents of our organisation and how these can be used in our work to support people and families; the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Te Tiriti O Waitangi and the New Zealand Disability Strategy.
Your Coordinator
Your Coordinator will be your main contact person at CCS Disability Action. Their role is to oversee all aspects of the care of the tamaiti/rangatahi whilst in your care. Their role is also to support you in your care of the tamaiti/rangatahi.
Their responsibilities are:
To support the caregiver with, or to access assistance and advice with any issues related to the tamaiti/rangatahi in their care.
To work with Oranga Tamariki, Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People, the Need Assessment and Service Coordination agency, Ministry of Education and other organisations involved in the tamaiti/rangatahi’s life to create the best outcomes for the tamaiti/rangatahi and their family.
To conduct all screening checks i.e., police, medical, home environment etc. as part of the initial and ongoing care placement approval process.
To provide all relevant information to the caregiver about the tamaiti/rangatahi.
To support and facilitate the tamaiti/rangatahi’s transition into care.
To meet with the tamaiti/rangatahi and the caregiver on at least a monthly basis and maintain regular telephone/email contact.
To review the placement, as per the tamaiti/rangatahi’s Personal Plan (new placements are reviewed at 3, 6 and 12 months for the first year, and every 6 months for subsequent years
To develop and maintain a plan for the length of time the tamaiti/rangatahi is in care. Each plan should include the goal for the child’s or young person’s transition out of care (i.e., reunification with family, independent living, permanency, or adoption).
To keep accurate and up to date information on file. Maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all information relating to the tamaiti/rangatahi and their placement.
To attend all relevant and essential meetings (for example, specialist medical appointments, Individual Education Plan’s, Family Group Conference reviews) relating to the tamaiti/rangatahi and their placement.
To provide advocacy for, or support the tamaiti/rangatahi to self-advocate
If you have any concerns about your Coordinator, you can talk to their Service Manager or line manager.